Tuesday, October 04, 2016

New York World's Fair, July 1964

I really needed to scan some more non-Disney slides, so I dragged out my box of World's Fair images. Don't think "steamer trunk", think "Triscuit box". 

This particular July day was gray and cloudy, though not as mungy as it could have been. Let's start with this view, taken by our photographer upon leaving the train station and entering the park through the Main Gate. RCA had a primo spot, right there. Go see yourself on a color television! Little did those 1964 audiences know, but in 2016 every human being has his/her own television program.

Beyond the giant "moonberry" (a "Brass Rail" eatery) is the shallow dome of World's Fair Pavilion, while the white pylons visible above the RCA sign are part of the Nation Cash Register Pavilion. "I'd like three cash registers - full, if you please".


There's a closer look at that crazy - um - thing in front of the RCA building (I love that old-fashioned logo, btw). Just passing was is one of the Greyhound Trams, with the Unisphere in the distance. Fun fact: when you see a man wearing a fez, it is good luck to go up and rub his belly! Try it, you'll be surprised at the results.


And lastly, because this wasn't the most incredible set of photos ever, we get a good look at the ubiquitous Unisphere, made entirely out of paper clips and gum. What an achievement, and a testament to what humans are capable of when they put their minds to a noble purpose!

The smart people in this picture are wearing comfortable walking shoes, preferably Chuck Taylors. 


17 comments:

Nanook said...

Major-

Yet another day of disappointments. I had it on very reliable authority your "photo collection" resided in one of those fabulous steamer trunks - complete with interior drawers and compartments - and the outside - adorned with stickers of famous ports 'o call: Buenos Aires; Hong Kong; Maui; Venice, Monte Carlo and Duluth. And here the whole time you've secretly squirreled-away your priceless collection inside a Triscuit box.

I'm afraid I'll have to console myself at the thought of [at least] one Shriner at the NY World's Fair. I certainly hope he set aside some time to "see yourself on color television", and to see how 'cool' he looked while smoking.

And as far as those comfy shoes were concerned, I wonder if Chuck stopped by the fair to 'sell a few pairs' to those with tired feet...

Thanks, Major.

Chuck said...

...and now I have this in my head.

Nancy said...

As it turns out, Major, I LUV Triscuits! Every time I see a photo of this Fair, there is no doubt that it will be my destination once I find that elusive time machine....

these views are just beautiful. Whatever that tower is, its very cool looking. And there are those colorful light standards that we all love.

I always forget until I see a close-up of the Unisphere that there are those two "wires" (I dont know what they are officially called) which encircle the Earth. Those folks dont realize that The Beatles will be emulating their walk here on Abbey Road in a couple years....

As always, thanks for these great views of the Fair! :-) I hope you own the world's Largest Triscuit Box of NYWF photos!

Tom said...

Luminaires! Came here to see WF'64 photos, got blue and orange Luminaires, was not disappointed. And how cool would it have been in 1964 to walk down the ramp and be greeted with the RCA logo? Color Television? Yes please!

Melissa said...

Can't get enough Of the 64 Fair!

Have you ever accidentally scanned a Triscuit?

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanook, IF ONLY my slide collection was that massive. At one point I sold off a bunch just because they were taking up too much room in my closets, and I regret selling some of them. There was a huge old steamer trunk - the very kind you describe - in the small horse stable at my grandmother’s house. After she passed we opened the thing up, and the inside was riddled with termites. Yuck.

Chuck, that’s not such a bad thing to have in your head!

Nancy, Triscuits are the official sponsor of GDB. Their whole grain goodness is great for casual snacking, or your next fancy party! Those rings surrounding the Unisphere represented the orbits of satellites; they are more decorative and symbolic than accurate.

Tom, I keep thinking that if I had just a little skill in metalworking, it might not be that hard to make a mini-Luminaire. In fact, I’m surprised that there isn’t a company doing just that. There seems to be at least a modicum of interest out there.

Melissa, no Triscuit has ever made it that far from the kitchen.

Nanook said...

Check out THIS PAGE for drawings of all the different configurationstions of those infamous luminaires.

Tom said...

@Nanook - yes, visit that page and the related pages often. Downloaded the PDF. Have created Sketchup plans for creating Luminaires myself. Just need a buddy with access to a metal fabrication shop and I'm in business. Seriously - I think there's a market for home lighting, particularly with the resurgence of mid-century modern design. I can see chandeliers, sconces, pendants, porch lights...

zach said...

Judging by the woman in the foreground on her cell phone, time machines already exist. Who's holding out!? Anyone else notice how well dressed everyone is?

I've lived on the west coast all my life so I missed all the happenings 'back east'. I'm glad it exits (in color!) in photos.

And Major. Is it perchance at least a Costco institutional size Triscuit box?

dz

Melissa said...

The little kid peeking out from behind the lady in the yellow dress is staring at us. I don't know why, but it always creeps me out in pictures like this when someone in the background is looking at me. It's like being noticed by a ghost.

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanook, oh I am well aware of that page! I love the lists of shapes and color combos.

Tom, because you have a skilled buddy, maybe you would be able to have a luminaire fabricated at a reasonable price. Otherwise, I’d expect it to be very expensive! I wonder how hard it would be to get various good colors of translucent plastic for the panels? Or better yet, glass?

David Zacher, this is from the days when, in general, people dressed up to go to a special event. Even the early days of Disneyland were like that. Unfortunately it all went away pretty quickly.

Melissa, what kid? I don’t see any kid!

Nanook said...

Major-

It's the toe-headed kid in the last image, partially-hidden by the gal in the yellow dress (perhaps made from cotton-?) She, at least, is dressed appropriately [me thinks] for proper world's fair getting-about - right down to her very sensible "tennis shoes" - perhaps even Chuck Taylor Converse models...

Unknown said...

Where are the Flying Saucers?! I saw the documentary Men in Black and I wanna see 'em! Where are my Flying Saucers?!

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanook, I actually could see him... I was making a complete failure of a joke - I wanted Melissa to think that ONLY SHE could see the kid. Oh well, better luck next time.

Patrick Devlin, flying saucers are everywhere. They follow me and send thoughts directly into my brain. But I'm not crazy!

Nanook said...

Major-

Just because I said I would actually read your comments - in this case - I needed to re-read Melissa's - doesn't mean I actually did so. I'm gonna blame it on by computer's lacking a "back-up" function.

Melissa said...

I got the joke!

Dean Finder said...

A bit late to the party, but here's some infor on that tower in the first 2 pictures: http://nywf64.com/towers01.shtml

And that World's Fair Pavilion dome is still in the park, now it's an aviary in the Transportation area, where the Avis Antique Car ride was.